Chelsea’s eccentric defender David Luiz has joined a chorus of his team mates in praising tonight’s opposition striker Didier Drogba.

The Blues face Galatasaray in the Champions League and the Brazilian defender has revealed a brilliant anecdote about the Ivorian about Chelsea’s Champions League win back in 2012.

Luiz, speaking to the Daily Mail, said: “I remember before the final I had a big, big injury and had not played (for five weeks).

“I spoke to him about it a lot. On the day before we sat for a couple of hours and he told me I needed to believe.

“He said ‘come on, man, you need to believe. Tomorrow can be a great day. You might go to the pitch with one leg but you can run like you have four or five because this is your dream. It is my dream as well – let’s do it.’

“He helped me a lot and I will never forget what he did for me and Chelsea.”

This is the type of story you would come to expect from Drogba who holds legendary status at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba helped inspire Luiz to put in a masterful display against Bayern in the 2012 final and the Brazilian also scored in the shoot-out too.

The 26-year-old went on to say he will be doing him upmost to ensure Drogba has an off day as the two friends face off in Türk Telekom Arena.

Luiz added: “I respect this guy so much. He is a fantastic striker, a fantastic person and a leader.

“He is a great friend of mine but he cannot have the same luck as two years ago.

“But it cannot be his day this time. It is difficult to keep Didier quiet but I hope it will be my and Chelsea’s day.”